I am curious if anybody here uses MTH’s DCS system or has it along with another DCC system on thier layout? I am NOT interested in bashing either system, just curious for someones thoughts that Acutaly owns and uses the system. I have operated on several different brands of DCC systems including Digitrax, MRC Prodigy squared and Lenz. If one is running several of MTH’s steam engines, individualy with no consisting. Is one better off to use the DCS system so they can access all the “toys” on the engine, or just use a standard DCC system with access to all 28 feature buttons? I ask as I am looking at getting a couple of the new NKP Berks for my new layout. Remember, no bashing please. Thanks Mike
Hi Mike…
I have a lot of MTH engines and can recomment the NKP Berks… they are terrific and the sounds used are actual 16 bit digitally remix sounds of the real 765 , so its about as much fun as you can get out of an HO locomotive.
I do not, however, recommend the DCS Controller. It is intended for the novice or beginner and will not giver you any benefit over any other command system.
I do have the Wireless controller, which is a different animal - it interfaces with a TIU(track inteface unit) and not only controls trains but allows you to ALTER sound volumes individually, and to adjust lighting outputs.
I bought it on a whim at a great price but is more aimed at the O scale market, but is compatible with the HO scale too. I only use it to program sound files off the MTH website or move sound files from one engine to another - a handy, dandy feature if you own alot of engines, which I do. Lok Sound ESU is the only othert company that has a offering like this on the market at a lot more money.
I recommend to go with a more recognized system like NCE or Digitrax, which I use(402Duplex).
THe 28 function throttles now allow you to access all the readily available functions on all MTH HO locomotives anyway and these systems are highly more interchangable and more accessories are available - its all you need.
Rick /HeritageFleet1
I use MRC Prodigy advance Squared and the MTH DCS commander. I think the DCS commander is a good way to go if you want to access quillable whistles for the MTH steam engines. With the commander the thumbwheel quills the whistle like a real whistle would sound. I spent $100 on just the commander because it can be used with existing DCS systems in “pass thru” mode. It also doesn’t require additional power, I use one power pack for the MRC controller and the DCS commander. Like the other person mentioned, it is quite child like. You don’t have to remember functions because buttons are labeled for whistle, startup, shutdown, etc. But it was useful to me because I have two MTH steam engines and they both have quillable whistles. It also can be used to convert my track to DC power. It’s a cool little gadget at not much cost. Hope this helps!
I wasnt planning to install normal DCC, every other locomotive for the planned layout is straight DC and I have no plan to equip all of them, a few are Brass light Mikados that I would rather not repower and deal with decoders. I have a nice MRC Controlmaster V DC throttle for them. I do however plan to get a couple of the new Berks and would like to be able to play with the sounds. I dont need walkaround ablity on my small layout, so the commander can just sit next to the MRC throttle at the front of my layout. Thanks for the reviews/responces thus far. If I can get my Brass N&W Class A sold, I will have atleast one berk right away. I love the sounds I have listened to on youtube and on MTH’s website. Amazing what can be done in HO scale, that was only dreamed of a few years ago in O scale! I give it another 5-10 years and we will see all of this in N scale, maybe not the smoke, but the sound quality and diecast engines. Mike
I have one of these brand new in the box if you’re interested - I can save you a ton of money too - contact me privately.
Rick